THE TV show Strictly Come Dancing has created such a stir in Swindon that a new ballroom dancing class is being launched.

Strictly Ballroom and Latin will be run by New College and will be taught by ballroom expert Pat Anslow, who was a contestant on the BBC's original Come Dancing.

Among the dances that participants will be taught are the Meringue, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba and Cha Cha.

Pat said: "Ballroom dancing is such a great hobby. It's good mentally because you have to be alert the whole time and it's great physically because it really keeps your figure in trim.

"If you find the gym boring there's no better alternative."

And she said it's not just the dancing that attracts people.

"The social aspect is also a big factor for many.

"Lots of people go to meet up with others, and ballroom provides a fantastic opportunity for this.

"While many do go with their partners, many others go as individuals and the lesson is geared towards learning the steps as an individual."

She said it's certainly the BBC series as well as the recent Richard Gere film Shall We Dance that has sparked interest in ballroom dancing.

"Ballroom was for a while the poor relation but since the BBC programme and the film the interest has really grown," she said.

The classes will run for ten weeks from Friday April 22 at the Purton Village Hall.

Classes take place between 9.30am and 11.30am and the total cost is £55.

For further information contact 0808 172 1721.